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Egg Production

© Don De Beyer

The interest in healthier food has resulted in a resurgence of small-scale egg production. In many areas, this interest has produced a strong market for free-range or "organic" eggs. Egg-producing chickens can provide a viable business for the enterprising person with some land. The most common egg in the local supermarket is the white egg. These are produced by chickens such as White Leghorn or California Grey crosses. The alternative is the brown egg, usually produced by Rhode Island Reds crossed with Barred Rock Etc. Most non-commercial egg producers choose to produce brown eggs.

A farmer has two basic ways to establish a laying flock. You can purchase the desired birds as chicks and raise them to adults. It will take about twenty weeks (five months) before your birds will be old enough to start laying. The alternative is to purchase birds that are already started. Purchase these birds as young adults that are not yet old enough to lay. Getting birds this way is more expensive. However, this will eliminate management problems associated with raising chicks. For the beginner, this is the best option.

Successful hen laying will require not only appropriate housing design, but also proper feed and lighting. The easiest way to feed your flock is to purchase a complete commercial layer feed from your local feed store. The hobby farmer should feed laying hens a formulation that contains about 16 percent proteins. Your feed formulation should also provide adequate calcium to the bird, as calcium is rapidly used up from the bones for production of the egg shells. Lighting is necessary for proper laying, as it simulates egg production and helps to synchronize the hens while they lay. The recommended amount of light exposure for laying hens per day is about sixteen hours. Using this amount of light will yield maximum egg production. Allowing your hens exposure to daylight only via windows or admittance outside is also acceptable. The egg production will then be affected by the seasons.

Caring for eggs is an important aspect of the laying flock. The hens should be encouraged to lay in their boxes. Floor-laid eggs are more likely to be broken or soiled. The eggs need to be collected 2-3 times per day. Ideally, collect eggs twice in the morning and once in the mid to late afternoon. Litter should be checked regularly for cleanliness and changed frequently.

The consumer often prefers the free-range egg. Free-range producers do not house the birds in cages. These birds have access to a large outdoor pen or area. They allow them to act like chickens. One drawback of free-range chickens is that the eggs can be more dirty. The dirty eggs are primarily due to the chickens having dirty/wet feet.

The copyright of the article Egg Production in Farming is owned by Don De Beyer . Permission to republish Egg Production in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.